The recent state comptroller's audit of the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority reveals some disturbing facts, including huge rate hikes for ratepayers and questionable management practices from the Suez company.

This is unfortunately all too common when private companies manage water systems. Our research at Food & Water Watch shows that privately-owned water systems in New Jersey charge an average of 64% more than publicly-owned water systems--meaning a typical household pays an extra $230 a year for privatized water.

With Suez looking to negotiate a new contract with the city, it's time for Jersey City residents to demand a better deal. One option is to return the water authority to municipal control, which would give residents more control over what is flowing from their taps.

Matt Smith, Food & Water Watch, New Brunswick

Government needs "All Audits On Deck"

It was reported in the Jersey Journal on Thursday, February 22, 2018 that the Jersey City Municipal Authority JCMUA has not been follow "Proper Business Accounting Policies and Procedures" including "Lack of Moral Fortitude", which has lead to administrative abuses and neglect of duties of its "authority and power" to govern effectively and efficiently.

The JCMUA's "lack of diligence" has illustrated in its continued billing increases and its negligence even with a surplus in its accounts including the illegal salary increases without the knowledge and consent of its commissioners.

The officers of the JCMUA need to be made accountable for their malfeasances to their "subjective water bound imprison clients". The officers of the JCMUA must face the anger of the people, be served due process by the courts and rebates back to its "overcharged water clients".

This isn't the first time the Jersey City taxpayers and its inhabitants have been defrauded by its city government. Fraud and corruption are no stranger to Jersey City. There have been many defrauding before. Within the last three years; the Jersey City Incinerator Authority, J.C.I.A., the Jersey City Police Department have seen fraud.

The best way in confronting and defeating fraud in Jersey City's government is to do "Annual Forensic Audits". Jersey City's government needs to purchase better accounting software that would be integrated with all city departments and authorities "to follow the money" This move would begin the reestablishment of the lost trust of Jersey City's employees, who are to "protect and serve" the public good including providing effective and efficient government standards.

"We the people" don't need government. Government needs us. Thoreau said, "The best form of government is the government that governs the least."

Jayson-Harley: Burg, Jersey City

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